Teenager pleads guilty to Elkhart murder

GOSHEN — An 18-year-old charged with murder pleaded guilty Thursday at the Elkhart County Circuit Court.

Brandon Lee Johnston, 18, of 17242 E. Hoffman Road, Three Rivers, Mich., pleaded guilty to the murder of James Grant, also known as Tyrannosaurus Rex Mullens, agreeing to a sentence of no more than 55 years in prison. All other terms were left under the court’s discretion.

Grant, a registered sex offender in the area who in 1996 was found guilty on two counts of sexual misconduct with a minor, was found dead in his home at 1701½ Morton Ave. on Aug. 4. An autopsy revealed Grant had died of multiple sharp force injuries to his chest, head and neck.

An investigation by the Elkhart Police Department led to the arrest of Johnston on Aug. 17 at 828 Lusher Ave., Elkhart.